Content playback method and electronic device implementing the same

ABSTRACT

A method for managing a playback of contents in an electronic device is provided. The method includes recognizing a major section of the contents, obtaining at least one of setup information related a network speed, data remaining amount and playback, and playback time of the contents, and deciding a playback policy of the contents based on at least one of the recognized major section and the obtained information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Koreanpatent application filed on May 19, 2014 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office and assigned Serial number 10-2014-0059856, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method for playing contents back byselectively adjusting a playback quality and a playback section of thecontents, and an electronic device implementing the same.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices such as a smartphone and a tablet personal computer(PC) can play contents back by downloading from another device through anetwork. The contents may be played back in a high resolution if anetwork condition is good, and played back in a low resolution if thenetwork condition is poor. However, the resolution of contents can bedecided according to a user selection regardless of the networkcondition.

A method for playing contents back according to the prior art doesn'tdistinguish a major section and a non-major section of the contents, andthereby can generate problems in network quality, data consumption, andplayback time, regardless of user intention.

When a network's speed doesn't satisfy the minimum requirement forplaying contents back due to a poor network condition, inconveniencesare generated due to a break phenomenon in the playback. For example, auser could not watch a playback of major section because the majorsection is not downloaded in time.

Data consumptions of the major section and non-major section areidentical, and data consumption charges also become identical. Most ofusers make a data charge plan in a limited capacity. Therefore, handlingof the major section and non-major section in the same way may generateinefficiency in term of cost.

Further, handling of the major section and non-major section in the sameway may generate inefficiency in term of time.

The above information is presented as background information only toassist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determinationhas been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the abovemight be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the abovementioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least theadvantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a method for preferentially playing a majorsection of contents back and an electronic device implementing the same.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method forefficiently playing contents back in term of cost. Further, anotheraspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method for efficientlyplaying contents back in term of time.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a method formanaging a playback of contents in an electronic device is provided. Themethod includes recognizing a major section of the contents, obtainingat least one of setup information related to a network speed, dataremaining amount, and playback, and playback time of the contents, anddeciding a playback policy of the contents based on at least one of therecognized major section and obtained information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, anelectronic device for managing a playback of contents is provided. Theelectronic device includes a communication module configured to receivecontents, a memory configured to store the contents and setupinformation related to a playback of the contents, a display and anaudio module configured to play the contents back; and a processorconfigured to control the communication module, memory, display, andaudio module. The processor may perform operations of recognizing amajor section of the contents; obtaining at least one of setupinformation related to a network speed, data remaining amount, andplayback, and playback time of the contents; and deciding a playbackpolicy of the contents based on at least one of the recognized majorsection and obtained information.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network environment includingan electronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of playbackmodule in an electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of electronicdevice according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a communication protocol betweenelectronic devices according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is an example drawing illustrating a recording screen in anelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is an example drawing illustrating a playback mode setting screenin an electronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is an example drawing illustrating a data usage screen in anelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are example drawings illustrating a skip mode in anelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 10 are example drawings illustrating apriority and quality control mode according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of deciding a playbackpolicy in an electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents back inan electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbersare used to depict the same or similar elements, features, andstructures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and the spirit ofthe present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-knownfunctions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

It will be understood that the expressions “comprises” and “maycomprise” is used to specify presence of disclosed function, operation,component, etc. but do not preclude the presence of one or morefunctions, operations, components, etc. It will be further understoodthat the terms “comprises” and/or “has” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated feature, number, operation, component,element, or a combination thereof but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components,elements, or combinations thereof. In the present disclosure, theexpression “and/or” is taken as specific disclosure of each and anycombination of enumerated things. For example, A and/or B is to be takenas specific disclosure of each of A, B, and A and B.

As used herein, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. are used todescribe various components, however, it is obvious that the componentsshould not be defined by these terms. For example, the terms do notrestrict the order and/or importance of the corresponding components.The terms are used only for distinguishing one component from anothercomponent. For example, a first component may be referred to as a secondcomponent and likewise, a second component may also be referred to as afirst component, without departing from the teaching of the inventiveconcept. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referredto as being “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element orlayer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other elementor layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directlyconnected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, thereare no intervening elements or layers present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentdisclosure.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms including technical orscientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonlyunderstood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosurebelongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of thespecification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, theelectronic device may include devices having an operation supportfunction. Examples of the electronic device may include smartphone,table Personal Computer (PC), mobile phone, video phone, electronic book(e-book) reader, desktop PC, laptop PC, netbook computer, PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), MP3 player,mobile medical appliance, camera, wearable device (e.g. head-mounteddevice (HMD) such as electronic glasses, electronic clothing, electronicbracelet, electronic necklace, electronic accessory, electronic tattoo,smartwatch, etc.).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronicdevice may be one of smart home appliances having operation supportfunction. Examples of the smart electronic appliance as an electronicdevice may include television (TV), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player,audio player, refrigerator, air-conditioner, vacuum cleaner, electronicoven, microwave oven, laundry machine, air cleaner, set-to box, TV box(e.g. Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, and Google TV™), game console,electronic dictionary, electronic key, camcorder, and electronic frame,etc.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, examples of theelectronic device may include medical device (e.g. Magnetic ResonanceAngiography (MRA), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography(CT)), Navigation device, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver,Event Data Recorder (EDR), Flight Data Recorder (FDR), car infotainmentdevice, maritime electronic device (e.g. maritime navigation device andgyro compass), aviation electronic device (avionics), security device,vehicle head unit, industrial or home robot, Automatic Teller's Machine(ATM) of financial institution, Point Of Sales (POS), etc.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, examples of theelectronic device may include furniture and building/structure having acommunication function, electronic board, electronic signature receivingdevice, projector, and metering device (e.g. water, electric, gas, andelectric wave metering devices). According to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the electronic device may be any combination of theaforementioned devices. According to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the electronic device may be a flexible device. It isobvious to those skilled in the art that the electronic device is notlimited to the aforementioned devices.

Descriptions are made of the electronic devices according to variousembodiments with reference to accompanying drawings hereinafter. Theterm ‘user’ used in various embodiments of the present disclosure maydenote a person or a device (e.g. artificial intelligent electronicdevice) using the electronic device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network environment 100including an electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 101 may include a bus 110,processor 120, memory 130, input/output interface 140, display 150,communication interface 160, and playback module 170.

The bus 110 may be a circuit for connecting the aforementioned elementsto each other and transmitting communication (e.g., a control message)between the aforementioned elements.

For example, the processor 120 may receive an instruction from theaforementioned other elements (e.g., the memory 130, the input/outputinterface 140, the display 150, the communication interface 160, theplayback module 170, etc.) through the bus 110, decipher the receivedinstruction, and perform calculation or data processing according to thedeciphered instruction.

The memory 130 may store the command or data received from the processor120 or other components (e.g. input/output interface 140, display 150,communication interface 160, playback module 170, etc.) or generated bythe processor 120 or other components. The memory 130 may store programmodules including kernel 131, middleware 132, Application ProgrammingInterface (API) 133, applications 134, etc. Each programming module maybe implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and any combinationthereof.

The kernel 131 may control or manage the system resources (e.g. bus 110,processor 120, and memory 130) for use in executing the operation orfunction implemented with the middleware 132, the API 133, or theapplication 134. The kernel 131 also may provide an interface allowingthe middleware 132, API 133, or application 134 to access the componentsof the electronic device 101 to control or manage.

The middleware 132 may work as a relay of data communicated between theAPI 133 or application 134 and the kernel 131. The middleware 132 mayexecute control of the task requests from the applications 134 in such away of assigning priority for use of the system resource (e.g. bus 110,processor 120, and memory 130) of the electronic device to at least oneof the applications 134.

The API 133 is the interface for the applications 134 to control thefunction provided by the kernel 131 or the middleware 132 and mayinclude at least one interface or function (e.g. command) for filecontrol, window control, image control, or text control.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, theapplication 134 may include a Short Message Service (SMS)/MultimediaMessage Service (MMS) application, an e-mail application, a calendarapplication, an alarm application, a health care application (e.g., anapplication for measuring an amount of exercise or blood sugar), and anenvironmental information application (e.g., an application forproviding an atmospheric pressure, humidity, temperature, and the like).Additionally or alternately, the application 134 may include anapplication related to an information exchange between the electronicdevice 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device104). The application related to the information exchange may include,for example, a notification relay application for transferringparticular information to the external electronic device or a devicemanagement application for managing the external electronic device.

For example, the notification relay application may include a functionof transferring, to the external electronic device (e.g., the electronicdevice 104), notification information generated from other applicationsof the electronic device 101 (e.g., an SMS/MMS application, an e-mailapplication, a health management application, an environmentalinformation application, and the like). Additionally or alternatively,the notification relay application may receive notification informationfrom, for example, the external electronic device (e.g., the electronicdevice 104) and provide the received notification information to a user.For example, the device management application may manage (e.g.,install, delete, or update) functions for at least a part of theexternal electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104)communicating with the electronic device 101 (e.g., turning on/off theexternal electronic device itself (or some elements thereof) oradjusting brightness (or resolution) of a display), applicationsoperating in the external electronic device, or services (e.g., atelephone call service or a message service) provided from the externalelectronic device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, theapplication 134 may include an application designated according to anattribute (e.g., a type of the electrode device) of the externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104). For example, whenthe external electronic device is an MP3 player, the application 134 mayinclude an application related to the reproduction of music. Similarly,in the case where the external electronic device is a mobile medicalappliance, the application 134 may include an application related tohealth care. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, theapplication 134 may include at least one of an application designated tothe electronic device 101 and an application received from the externalelectronic device (e.g., a server 106 or the electronic device 104).

The input/output interface 140 may transfer instructions or data inputfrom a user through an input/output device (e.g., a sensor, a keyboard,or a touch screen) to, for example, the processor 120, the memory 130,the communication interface 160, or the playback module 170 through thebus 110. For example, the input/output interface 140 may provide, to theprocessor 120, data for a user's touch input through the touch screen.Further, the input/output interface 140 may output, for example, aninstruction or data received through the bus 110 from the processor 120,the memory 130, the communication interface 160, and the media playbackmodule 170, through an input/output device (e.g., a speaker or display).For example, the input/output interface 140 may output voice dataprocessed through the processor 120 to the user through the speaker.

The display 150 may display various pieces of information (e.g.,multimedia data or text data) to a user.

The communication interface 160 may connect communication between theelectronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., theelectronic device 104 or the server 106). For example, the communicationinterface 160 communicates with the external device (e.g., theelectronic device 104 or the server 106) while being connected to anetwork 162 through wireless communication or wired communication. Thewireless communication may include at least one of, for example, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), GPS and cellularcommunication (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A),Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), UniversalMobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), andGlobal System for Mobile communication (GSM)). The wired communicationmay include at least one of, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB),a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard 232(RS-232), and a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the network 162may be a communication network. The communication network may include atleast one of a computer network, the Internet, the Internet of things,and a telephone network. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a protocol (e.g., a transport layer protocol, data linklayer protocol, or a physical layer protocol) for communication betweenthe electronic device 101 and the external device may be supported by atleast one of the application 134, the API 133, the middleware 132, thekernel 131, and the communication interface 160.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the server 106 cansupport the electronic device 101 by performing at least one operation(or function) implemented in the electronic device 101. For example, theserver 106 may include a playback module 108 for supporting a playbackmodule 170 of the electronic device 101. For example, the playbackmodule 108 can include at least one component of the playback module 170and perform at least one function as proxy of the playback module 170.Additionally, the server 106 may further include a contents providingmodule 109 in order to provide contents for the playback modules 170 and108.

The playback module 170 processes at least a portion of contentsobtained from other components such as a processor 120, memory 130,input/output interface 140, and communication interface 160, and canprovide it for a user in various methods. For example, the playbackmodule 170 can control at least a function of the electronic device 101by using the processor 120 or by itself so that contents are providedfor a user. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, theplayback module 170 can be included in the configuration of server 106(for example, playback module 108), and at least one operationimplemented by the playback module 170 can be supported by the server106. Additional information is provided by the playback module 170through the accompanying FIGS. 2 to 16.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration 200 of playbackmodule in an electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the playback module 170 may include a preferentialplayback section recognition module 210 (hereafter, ‘recognitionmodule’), obtainment module 220, policy decision module 230, and modemanagement module 240.

The recognition module 210 can obtain information related to thecontents such as metadata 211 or tag information 212 from an application134. Alternatively, the recognition module 210 can obtain the metadata211 or tag information 212 by directly accessing to the memory 130.Further, the recognition module 210 can obtain the metadata 211 or taginformation 212 from an external device (for example, server 106) byusing the communication interface 160.

The following is an example of tag information 212.

<format>  <total_frame>4320</total_frame> // Length of Video: 3 min,24fps 180 sec  <destination_scene1_start>1650</destination_scene1_start>// Start of important section <destination_scene1_end>1850</destination_scene1_end> // End ofimportant section <1-- optional 1--> <audio_channels_number0>2</audio_channels_number0> <audio_channels_number1>1</audio_channels_number1> <1-- optional 2--> <framerate0>24</framerate0>  <framerate1>12</framerate1> <framerate2>4</framerate2> <1-- optional 3--> <video_birate0>1000k</video_bitrate0> <video_birate1>400k</video_bitrate1> <video_birate2>null</video_bitrate2> <1-- optional 4--> <video_resolution0>1920×1080</video_resolution0> <video_resolution0>720×180</video_resolution1> <video_resolution0>null</video_resolution2> <1-- optional 5--> <audio_birate0>192k</audio_birate0>  <audio_birate1>64k</audio_birate0> <audio_birate2>8k</audio_birate0> <1-- playcontrol 1--> <skip_play>0</skip_play>  <fast_play>1</fast_play> </format>

The recognition module 210 can recognize a preferential playback section(major section) from the contents based on the metadata 211 or taginformation 212. The recognized major section can be used as informationfor deciding a playback policy of the corresponding contents. Themetadata 211 can be a portion of the contents, for example, stored in areserved area, and the tag information 212 can be separate informationtagged to the contents. For example, the metadata 211 and taginformation 212 may include executable program information, file format(for example, Audio Video Interleave (AVI)), size, created date,resolution, frame speed (for example, 30 frames/sec), playback time, andmajor section information. Here, the major section information mayinclude information related to appearance of a major person (forexample, a singer), object, or event (or example, traffic accident) of avideo. Such major section information may be set by a user of theelectronic device 101. Alternatively, the major section information canbe received together with contents from other devices (for example,server 106). The recognition module 210 can recognize a major section ofcontents (for example, video) by identifying major section information.

The recognition module 210 can recognize the major section ofcorresponding contents by identifying statistical information and userinformation (for example, an age of user, address, contents information)pre-stored in the electronic device 101. The statistical information isinformation related to responses from persons watched the correspondingcontents, and may be included in the metadata 211 and tag information212. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thestatistical information may include information related to an aperturetime having the highest response to a video by ages and sexes ofpersons, and by regions. Accordingly, the recognition module 210 canrecognize the aperture time having the highest response as a majorsection.

The obtainment module 220 can obtain information for deciding a playbackpolicy by calculating, receiving, or identifying. For example, theobtainment module 220 can calculate a network speed 221 in a bps unitbased on at least one of a signal bandwidth and Received Signal StrengthIndication (RSSI) received from a network 162 (for example, LTE) throughthe communication interface 160, and data download bandwidth of contentsprovided by a server. Alternatively, the obtainment module 220 canreceive a network speed 221 calculated by other components from theprocessor 120.

The obtainment module 220 can identify a playback time 222 of thecorresponding contents by accessing to the metadata 211 or taginformation 212.

The obtainment module 220 can transmit a request message for informationof data remaining amount 223 to an external device (for example, aserver of LTE communication provider) through the communicationinterface 160, and receive a response message including the dataremaining amount 223 from the external device. Here, if the electronicdevice 101 is registered in an LTE service, the data remaining amount223 may indicate a data amount (for example, 1 GB, 5 GB, or unlimitedamount) downloadable through the LTE by the electronic device 101 for apredetermined period (for example, a month) according to a chargingpolicy. Alternatively, the obtainment module 220 can receive a dataremaining amount 223 calculated by other components in real time fromthe processor 120. According to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the obtainment module 220 can calculate presently remainingdays together with the data remaining amount 223. For example, if thepredetermined period is a month and the current date is Mar. 3, 2014,the remaining days become 28.

The obtainment module 220 can identify setup information 224 determinedby a user related to a playback policy from the memory 130. The setupinformation may include at least one of various terminal setup itemssuch as a battery (power) saving state or a time saving state (forexample, time limitation of video watching). Further, the obtainmentmodule 220 can receive preferential playback section information 225from the recognition module 210.

The policy decision module 230 can determine a playback mode of contentsbased on the information identified by the obtainment module 220.Alternatively, the policy decision module 230 can determine the playbackmode of contents based on the information set by a user. For example,the playback mode may be determined from a skip mode 231, multiple speedmode 232, quality adjustment mode 233, priority mode 234, andcombination mode 235, however the playback mode is not limited to theabove examples. In a playback of corresponding contents, the skip mode231 may perform an operation of informing a skip of non-major section toa user and an operation of skipping the non-major section. The multiplespeed mode 232 may perform an operation of playing at least a portion ofcontents in a higher speed than a normal speed (i.e., playing all theframes of contents in a constant speed). For example, a triple speedplayback may operate by skipping 2 frames for every 3 frames. Accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the time for videowatching is limited according to setup information 224 determined by auser, the multiple speed mode 232 may automatically determine a multiplespeed of playback so that the playback can be finished in the limitedtime. The quality adjustment mode 233 may play contents back byadjusting the quality of at least a portion of the contents. Thepriority mode 234 plays a major section back prior to a non-majorsection. The combination mode 235 is a mode combining at least two ofthe above modes. For example, the combination mode 235 may omit adownload of non-major section and perform a streaming playback bydownloading only the major section in a streaming playback of video.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in case that thecontents is a music video of a girl group A, the main audience of thecontents may be men in an age group of 30s and women in an age group of20s. If users of the electronic devices 101 are men in the age group of30s and the electronic devices 101 contain many photos of the girlgroup, the major section of the corresponding music video is recognizedas an aperture time of the girl group A by the recognition module 210,and the playback policy of the corresponding music video may bedetermined to a resolution priority mode by the policy decision module230 (for example, high resolution for a major section and low soundquality for the whole section). If users of the electronic devices 101are women in the age group of 20s and the electronic device 101 containmany music files of the girl group, the playback policy of thecorresponding music video may be determined to be a sound qualitypriority mode by the policy decision module 230 (for example, lowresolution/high sound quality). If the users of the electronic devices101 are women in the age group of 20s and the electronic device 101contain many music files and photos of the girl group, the playbackpolicy of the corresponding music video can be determined to aresolution priority mode by the policy decision module 230. If the usersof the electronic devices 101 are men in an age group of 40s, theplayback policy of corresponding music video can be determined to a lowquality mode by the policy decision module 230 (for example, lowresolution/low sound quality). Alternatively, because the age group of40s is adjacent to the age group of 30s, the playback policy could bedetermined to the resolution priority mode.

The mode management module 240 can operate a playback of thecorresponding contents in a playback mode determined by the policydecision module 230.

The playback module 170 is shown to be configured with the processor 120and a separate component, however, according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the processor 120 may include at least a portionof the above components 210 to 240 of the playback module 170.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration 300 of theelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The electronic device 301 may be of the whole or a part ofthe electronic device 101.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device 301 may include anApplication Processor (AP) 310, a communication module 320, a SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) card 324, a memory 330, a sensor module 340, aninput device 350, a display 360, an interface 370, an audio module 380,a camera module 391, a power management module 395, a battery 396, anindicator 397, and a motor 398.

The AP 310 may operate an Operating System (OS) and/or applicationprograms to control a plurality of hardware and/or software componentsconnected to the AP 310 and perform data-processing and operations onmultimedia data. For example, the AP 310 may be implemented in the formof System on Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the AP 310 may include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) (notshown).

The communication module 320 (e.g. communication interface 160) mayperform data communication with other electronic devices (e.g.electronic device 104 and server 106) through a network. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 320 mayinclude a cellular module 321, a Wi-Fi module 323, a BT module 325, aGPS module 327, an NFC module 328, and a Radio Frequency (RF) module329.

The cellular module 321 is responsible for voice and videocommunication, text messaging, and Internet access services through acommunication network (e.g. LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS, WiBro, andGSM networks). The cellular module 321 may perform identification andauthentication of electronic devices in the communication network usingthe SIM card 324. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure,the cellular module 321 may perform at least one of the functions of theAP 310. For example, the cellular module 321 may perform at least a partof the multimedia control function.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cellularmodule 321 may include a Communication Processor (CP). The cellularmodule 321 may be implemented in the form of SoC. Although the cellularmodule 321 (e.g. communication processor), the memory 330, and the powermanagement module 395 are depicted as independent components separatedfrom the AP 310, the present disclosure is not limited thereto but maybe embodied in a way that the AP includes at least one of the components(e.g. cellular module 321).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the AP 310and the cellular module 321 (e.g. communication processor) may load acommand or data received from at least one of the components on anon-volatile or volatile memory and process the command or data. The AP310 or the cellular module 321 may store the data received from othercomponents or generated by at least one of other components in thenon-volatile memory.

Each of the Wi-Fi module 323, the BT module 325, the GPS module 327, andthe NFC module 328 may include a processor for processing the data ittransmits/receives. Although the cellular module 321, the Wi-Fi module323, the BT module 325, the GPS module 327, and the NFC module 328 aredepicted as independent blocks; at least two of them (e.g. communicationprocessor corresponding to the cellular module 321 and Wi-Fi processorcorresponding to the Wi-Fi module 323) may be integrated in the form ofSoC.

The RF module 329 is responsible for data communication, e.g.transmitting/receiving RF signals. Although not depicted, the RF module329 may include a transceiver, a Power Amp Module (PAM), a frequencyfilter, and a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). The RF module 329 also mayinclude the elements for transmitting/receiving electric wave in freespace, e.g. conductor or conductive wire. Although FIG. 3 is directed tothe case where the Wi-Fi module 323, the BT module 325, the GPS module327, and the NFC module 328 are sharing the RF module 329, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto but may be embodied in a way that atleast one of the Wi-Fi module 323, the BT module 325, the GPS module327, and the NFC module 328 transmits/receives RF signals an independentRF module.

The SIM card 324 may be designed so as to be inserted into a slot formedat a predetermined position of the electronic device. The SIM card 324may store unique identity information (e.g. Integrated Circuit CardIdentifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g. International MobileSubscriber Identity (IMSI)).

The memory 330 (e.g. memory 130) may include at least one of theinternal memory 332 and an external memory 334. The internal memory 332may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g. Dynamic RandomAccess Memory (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or anon-volatile memory (e.g. One Time Programmable Read Only Memory(OTPROM), PROM, Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), ElectricallyErasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, NAND flashmemory, and NOR flash memory).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the internalmemory 332 may be a Solid State Drive (SSD). The external memory 334 maybe a flash drive such as Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD),micro-SD, Mini-SD, extreme Digital (xD), and Memory Stick. The externalmemory 334 may be connected to the electronic device 301 through variousinterfaces functionally. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the electronic device 301 may include a storage device (orstorage medium) such as hard drive.

The sensor module 340 may measure physical quantity or check theoperation status of the electronic device 301 and convert the measuredor checked information to an electric signal. The sensor module 340 mayinclude at least one of gesture sensor 340A, Gyro sensor 340B,barometric sensor 340C, magnetic sensor 340D, acceleration sensor 340E,grip sensor 340F, proximity sensor 340G, color sensor 340H (e.g. Red,Green, Blue (RGB) sensor), bio sensor 340I, temperature/humidity sensor340J, illuminance sensor 340K, and Ultra Violet (UV) sensor 340M.

Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module 340 may include E-nosesensor (not shown), Electromyography (EMG) sensor (not shown),Electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor (not shown), Electrocardiogram (ECG)sensor (not shown), Infrared (IR) sensor (not shown), iris sensor (notshown), and fingerprint sensor (not shown). The sensor module 340 mayfurther include a control circuit for controlling at least one of thesensors included therein.

The input device 350 may include a touch panel 352, a (digital) pensensor 354, keys 356, and an ultrasonic input device 358. The touchpanel 352 may be one of capacitive, resistive, infrared, microwave typetouch panel. The touch panel 352 may include a control circuit. In thecase of the capacitive type touch panel, it is possible to detectphysical contact or approximation. The touch panel 352 may furtherinclude a tactile layer. In this case, the touch panel 352 may providethe user with haptic reaction.

The (digital) pen sensor 354 may be implemented with a sheet with thesame or similar way as touch input of the user or a separate recognitionsheet. The keys 356 may include physical buttons, optical key, andkeypad. The ultrasonic input device 358 is a device capable of checkingdata by detecting sound wave through a microphone 288 and may beimplemented for wireless recognition. According to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the electronic device 301 may receive the user inputmade by means of an external device (e.g. computer or server) connectedthrough the communication module 320.

The display 360 (e.g. display module 150) may include a panel 362, ahologram device 364, and a projector 366. The panel 362 may be a LiquidCrystal Display (LCD) panel or an Active Matrix Organic Light EmittingDiodes (AMOLED) panel. The panel 362 may be implemented so as to beflexible, transparent, and/or wearable. The panel 362 may be implementedas a module integrated with the touch panel 352. The hologram device 364may present 3-dimensional image in the air using interference of light.The projector 366 may project an image to a screen. The screen may beplaced inside or outside the electronic device. According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the display 360 may include acontrol circuit for controlling the panel 362, the hologram device 364,and the projector 366.

The interface 370 may include an HDMI 372, a USB 374, an opticalinterface 376, and a D-subminiature (D-sub) 378. The interface 370 mayinclude the communication interface 160 as shown in FIG. 1. Additionallyor alternatively, the interface 370 may include a Mobile High-definitionLink (MHL) interface, an SD/MMC card interface, and infrared DataAssociation (irDA) standard interface.

The audio module 380 may convert sound to electric signal and viceversa. At least a part of the audio module 380 may be included in theinput/output interface 140 as shown in FIG. 1. The audio module 380 mayprocess the audio information input or output through the speaker 382,the receiver 384, the earphone 386, and the microphone 388.

The camera module 391 is a device capable of taking still and motionpictures and, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,includes at least one image sensor (e.g. front and rear sensors), a lens(not shown), and Image Signal Processor (ISP) (not shown), and a flash(e.g. LED or xenon lamp) (not shown).

The power management module 395 may manage the power of the electronicdevice 301. Although not shown, the power management module 395 mayinclude a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, abattery, and a battery or fuel gauge.

The PMIC may be integrated into an IC or SoC semiconductor. The chargingmay be classified into wireless charging and wired charge. The chargerIC may charge the battery and protect the charger against overvoltage orovercurrent. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thecharger IC may include at least one of wired charger and wirelesscharger ICs. Examples of the wireless charging technology includesresonance wireless charging and electromagnetic wave wireless charging,and there is a need of extra circuit for wireless charging such as coilloop, resonance circuit, and diode.

The battery gauge may measure the residual power of the battery 396,charging voltage, current, and temperature. The battery 396 may store orgenerate power and supply the stored or generated power to theelectronic device 301. The battery 396 may include a rechargeablebattery or a solar battery.

The indicator 397 may display operation status of the electronic device301 or a part of the electronic device, booting status, messagingstatus, and charging status. The motor 398 may converts the electronicsignal to mechanical vibration. Although not shown, the electronicdevice 301 may include a processing unit (e.g. GPU) for supportingmobile TV. The processing unit for supporting the mobile TV may be ableto processing the media data abiding by the broadcast standards suchDigital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB),and media flow.

The above enumerated components of the electronic device of the presentdisclosure may be implemented into one or more parts, and the names ofthe corresponding components may be changed depending on the kind of theelectronic device. The electronic device of the present disclosure mayinclude at least one of the aforementioned components with omission oraddition of some components. The components of the electronic device ofthe present disclosure may be combined selectively into an entity toperform the functions of the components equally as before thecombination.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a communication protocol betweenelectronic devices according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, a communication protocol 400 may include a devicediscovery protocol 451, capability exchange protocol 453, networkprotocol 455, and application protocol 457.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the devicediscovery protocol 451 may be a protocol for detecting communicableexternal electronic devices (for example, 410 and 430), and forconnecting to the detected external electronic devices. For example, byusing the device discovery protocol 451, the electronic device 410 (orelectronic device 101) can detect the electronic device 430 (orelectronic device 104) through a communication system (for example,WiFi, BT, or USB) applicable in the electronic device 410. For theconnection with the electronic device 430, the electronic device 410 canobtain and store identification information of the electronic device 430by using the device discovery protocol 451. The electronic device 410can open a communication channel with the electronic device 430 based onthe identification information.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the devicediscovery protocol 451 may be a protocol for performing mutualauthentication between electronic devices. For example, the electronicdevice 410 can perform the authentication between the electronic device410 and the electronic device 430 based on the communication informationfor a connection with the electronic device 430 such as an MAC (MediaAccess Control) address, UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), SSID(Subsystem Identification), and IP (Internet Protocol) address.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the capabilityexchange protocol 453 may be a protocol for exchanging informationrelated to a supportable service function at least one of the electronicdevice 410 and the electronic device 430. For example, the electronicdevice 410 and electronic device 430 can exchange information related tothe currently provided service function through the capability exchangeprotocol 453. The exchangeable information may include identificationinformation indicating a specific service among a plurality of servicessupporting the electronic device 410 and electronic device 430. Forexample, the electronic device 410 can receive identificationinformation of a specific service provided by the electronic device 430through the capability exchange protocol 453. In this case, theelectronic device 410 can identify whether the electronic device 410 cansupport the specific service based on the received identificationinformation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the networkprotocol 455 may be a protocol for controlling a data flow between theelectronic devices (for example, electronic device 410 and electronicdevice 430) connected for synchronization of service throughcommunication. For example, at least one of the electronic device 410and electronic device 430 may perform an error control or a data qualitycontrol through the network protocol 455. Additionally, the networkprotocol 455 can determine a transmission format of data exchangedbetween the electronic device 410 and electronic device 430. Further, atleast one of the electronic device 410 and electronic device 430 canperform a session management (for example, connection of session ortermination of session) in order to exchange data each other by usingthe network protocol 455.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicationprotocol 457 may be a protocol for providing a procedure or informationso that data exchange related to a service can be provided for anexternal electronic device. For example, the electronic device 410 (orelectronic device 101) can provide a service for the electronic device430 (or electronic device 104, or server 106) through the applicationprotocol 457.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicationprotocol 400 may include a standard communication protocol,communication protocol designated by a person or group (for example,communication device manufacturer or network provider, or theircombinations).

FIG. 5 is an example drawing illustrating a recording screen 500 in anelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

An AP 310 of the electronic device 301 can obtain environmentalsituation information from other components while recording. The AP 310can set a portion of recorded contents as ‘major section’ by using theobtained information. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the AP 310 can monitor an environmental situation in realtime during the recording by synchronizing (receiving detectioninformation) with a sensor module 340 (for example, acceleration sensor340E) or by synchronizing with a microphone 388 through an audio module380, and set a recorded section as the major section corresponding to animpact if the impact is generated during the monitoring. The AP 310 canstore setup information as metadata or tag information in the memory 330together with the corresponding contents. Alternatively, the setupinformation can be stored in an external device (for example, server106) together with the corresponding contents.

FIG. 6 is an example drawing illustrating a playback mode setting screenin an electronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

A user can set a playback policy of the contents. For example, the AP310 of electronic device 301 can control the display unit 360 to displaya playback mode setup screen 600 responding to a user's request. Theplayback mode setup screen 600 may include an item 601 indicating amultiple speed mode, item 602 indicating a skip mode, item 603indicating a data saving mode (for example, quality adjustment mode),item 604 indicating a basic mode (for example, playing contents back inthe same quality and constant speed), and item 605 indicating anautomatic mode. If the playback mode is set to the automatic mode, theAP 310 can determine a playback policy based on the information relatedto the playback policy (for example, information obtained by theobtainment module 220).

FIG. 7 is an example drawing illustrating a data usage screen in anelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

The AP 310 of electronic device 301 can obtain a data usage amount 700.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 310 ofelectronic device 301 can measure the data usage amount 700 in real timeby synchronizing with other components (for example, cellular module821). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 310can transmit a request message for information of the data usage amount700 to an external device (for example, a server of communicationprovider operating an LTE), and receive a response message including thedata usage amount 700 from the external device. Further, the AP 310calculate a data remaining amount (for example, by using a formula: dataremaining amount=total amount allocated for a predetermined period—datausage amount 700). If a predetermined condition is satisfied (forexample, if a request for streaming playback of contents is receivedfrom the input device 350), the AP 310 can control the display unit 360to display the data usage amount 700 or data remaining amount.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are example drawings illustrating a skip mode in anelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

If the playback policy of video is set to the skip mode, the AP 310 ofelectronic device 301 can obtain a major section of the correspondingvideo by identifying or receiving. For example, before performing aplayback of video, the AP 310 can obtain a major section of thecorresponding video by identifying metadata or tag information of thecorresponding video stored in the memory 330. Alternatively, the AP 310can receive corresponding information by requesting the server 106 forinformation related to the major section before downloading a video fromother devices (for example, server 106).

If the major section is obtained, the AP 310 can operate a playback ofcorresponding video in a skip mode.

Referring to FIG. 8A, before skipping a non-major section, the AP 310can control the display unit 360 to display a guide sentence 810 (forexample, “Start playback by skipping non-major section to reduceplayback time”).

Referring to FIG. 8B, after skipping the non-major section, the AP 310can play frames of major section in a constant speed.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 10 are example drawings illustrating apriority and quality control mode according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9A, if a user presses a playback button 910, the AP310 of electronic device can identify a specification of video to beplayed back (for example, resolution and frame rate). According to anembodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 310 can control thecommunication module 320 to request a contents providing server for taginformation of video. The communication module 320 can transmit the taginformation received from the contents providing server to the AP 310.The AP 310 identifies a video specification of the tag information and avideo specification of display unit 360 (for example, panel 362), andoptimizes the video for the display unit 360 by comparing thespecifications. For example, if the resolution of video is higher thanthat of panel 362, the AP 310 can control the communication module 320to request the contents providing server for a low specification video.

If the optimization of specification is finished, the AP 310 canidentify a major section of video. According to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the AP 310 can identify a major section from thereceived tag information.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the AP 310 can control the display unit 360 todisplay a major section 920.

Referring to FIGS. 9C and 9D, the AP 310 can control the communicationmodule 320 to request the contents providing server for I-frames fromthe major section 920. The AP 310 can calculate a network speed based onthe time required for receiving the I-frames 921.

The AP 310 can compare the network speed with a required speed. Here,the required speed may mean a network speed required for playing a videoback without disconnection (for example, 1 Mbps). The AP 310 can adjustthe quality of video playback according to the comparison result.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the comparisonresult is “high resolution playback required speed<current networkspeed”, the AP 310 can play the video back in a high quality and securea major section through a float bandwidth by controlling to synchronizewith communication module 320, display unit 360, and audio module 380.Accordingly, the major section of video can be played back withoutdisconnection, even though a network problem is generated during astreaming playback due to entrance to a tunnel.

If the comparison result is “low resolution playback requiredspeed<current network speed<high resolution playback required speed”,the AP 310 can play the major section of video in a native bittransmission rate and play the remainder with a reduced bit transmissionrate by controlling to synchronize with communication module 320,display unit 360, and audio module 380.

For example, referring to FIG. 10, a non-major section may be playedwith a low quality of 480 pixel (P)/8 frames per second (FPS) and themajor section with a high quality of 1080 P/24 FPS. Further, once theplayback is started, the AP 310 can sequentially receive data andreceive voice data of the major section through a float bandwidth.Namely, the AP 310 can secure a screen shot of major section (forexample, I-frames 921) and voice data in advance. Accordingly, eventhough a network problem is generated during a streaming playback due toentrance to a tunnel, the screen shot of major section and voice can beplayed without problem.

If the comparison result is “current network speed<low resolutionplayback required speed”, the AP 310 can play the contents back in avoice mode. For example, the AP 310 can control the display unit 360 tosequentially display I-frames 921 of the major section (i.e., slideshow). Further, AP 310 can receive only the voice data by requesting thecontents providing server, and play the received voice back whileperforming a slide show.

Factors for adjusting the playback quality may include factorsconsidered in a scalable coding such as a video/audio bit transmissionrate (kilobits per second (Kbps), signal-to-noise Ratio (SNR)),video/audio depth (bit), FPS, audio sample rate (kilohertz (KHz)),number of audio channels (1 to 6), video frame rate (FPS), color gamut,aspect ratio, and hybrid codec (Lo:H.264/Hi:HEVC).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronicdevice may include a communication module configured to receivecontents; a memory configured to store the contents and setupinformation related to a playback of the contents; a display and anaudio module configured to play the contents back; and a processorconfigured to control the communication module, memory, display, andaudio module. The processor may perform operations of: recognizing amajor section of the contents; obtaining at least one of setupinformation related to a network speed, data remaining amount andplayback, and playback time of the contents; and deciding a playbackpolicy of the contents based on at least one of the recognized majorsection and obtained information.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of deciding a playbackpolicy in an electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

The AP 310 obtains information related to contents and recognizes amajor section of the contents based on this at operation 1110. The AP310 obtains in formation at least one of a network speed, data remainingamount, setup information related to a playback, and playback time ofcontents at operation 1120. The AP 310 determines a playback policy ofthe contents based on the recognized major section and obtainedinformation at operation 1130. According to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in case of “network speed>threshold value V-th1”, the AP 310can determine the playback policy to a basic mode (for example, highresolution/constant playback speed). In case of “network speed>thresholdvalue V-th1” and “data remaining amount<threshold value D-th”, the AP310 can determine the playback policy to a data saving mode (forexample, skip mode, quality adjustment mode, multiple speed mode, orvoice mode). In case of “network speed>threshold value V-th1” and“playback time>threshold value T-th”, the AP 310 can determine theplayback policy to a time saving mode (for example, skip mode, prioritymode, or multiple speed mode). In case of “network speed<threshold valueV-th1”, the AP 310 can determine the playback policy to a qualityadjustment mode. In case of “network speed<threshold valueV-th2(V-th2<V-th1)”, the AP 310 can determine the playback policy to acombination mode (quality adjustment mode+skip mode). The setupinformation related to the playback can have the highest priority amongthe identified information. Namely, the AP 310 can operate the playbackof contents according to a playback mode set by a user, regardless of anetwork speed, data remaining amount, and playback time of contents.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data savingmode may be determined according to a data remaining amount andremaining days. For example, in case of “data remaining amount>thresholdvalue D-th” and “remaining days<threshold value T-th”, the AP 310 candetermine the playback policy to a basic mode. In case of “dataremaining amount>threshold value D-th” and “remaining days>thresholdvalue T-th”, the AP 310 can determine the playback policy to a datasaving mode. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, auser can use data (for example, 5 GB) by equally dividing in apredetermined period.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents back inan electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The AP 310 receives a request for a playback of contents from otherdevices such as a microphone 388, sensor module 340, input device 350,or communication module 320 at operation 1210. Responding to therequest, the AP 310 operates a playback of contents according to theplayback policy (for example, playback policy determined at operation1130) at operation 1220.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The AP 310 receives a request for a streaming playback of contents fromother devices at operation 1310. Responding to the request, the AP 310measures a network speed at operation 1320. The AP 310 identifieswhether the measured network speed is effective for the streamingplayback of contents requested at operation 1330. If the measurednetwork speed is effective (for example, network speed>bit transmissionrate of requested contents playback in the highest quality), the AP 310operates the streaming playback in a high resolution for all thesections of the contents by synchronizing with the communication module320 (for example, cellular module 321) and display unit 360 at operation1340. If the measured network speed is ineffective (for example, networkspeed<bit transmission rate), the AP 310 adjusts the playback quality ofcontents differentially for each section by synchronizing with thecellular module 321 and display unit 360 at operation 1350. For example,the AP 310 can operate the streaming playback of non-preferentialsections in a low resolution and the streaming playback of preferentialsections in a high resolution. The AP 310 can determine termination ofthe streaming playback at operation 1360. If the streaming playback isnot finished, the process returns to operation 1320. If the streamingplayback is finished, the process ends.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The AP 310 receives a request for a streaming playback of contents fromother devices at operation 1410. Responding to the request, the AP 310identifies setup information set by a user related to the playback atoperation 1420. The AP 310 operates the streaming playback in a playbackmode corresponding to the identified setup information (for example, abasic mode, data saving mode, time saving mode, or automatic mode) atoperation 1430.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The AP 310 receives a request for a streaming playback of contents fromother devices at operation 1510. Responding to the request, the AP 310identifies a data remaining amount at operation 1520. The AP 310identifies whether the data remaining amount is sufficient at operation1530. If the data remaining amount is sufficient (for example, dataremaining amount>threshold value D-th1), the AP 310 operates thestreaming playback in a high resolution for all the sections of thecontents by synchronizing with the communication module 320 (forexample, cellular module 321) and display unit 360 at operation 1540. Ifthe data remaining amount is insufficient (for example, data remainingamount<threshold value D-th1), the AP 310 identifies whether the dataremaining amount is exhausted at operation 1550. If the data remainingamount is not exhausted (for example, data remaining amount>thresholdvalue D-th2 (D-th2<D-th1)), the AP 310 operate the streaming playback ofnon-preferential sections in a low resolution and the streaming playbackof preferential sections in a high resolution at operation 1560. If thedata remaining amount is exhausted (for example, data remainingamount<threshold value D-th2), the AP 310 operates an audio playback fornon-preferential sections of the contents, and operates an audio andscreen shot playback for preferential sections of the contents atoperation 1570. The AP 310 determines termination of the streamingplayback at operation 1580. If the streaming playback is not finished,the process returns to operation 1520. If the streaming playback isfinished, the process ends.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing contents backaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The AP 310 controls the communication module 320 to download packets ofcontents from an external device (for example, server 106) and todownload packets of major section first at operation 1610.

The AP 310 measures a DC (Download Capacity) in bps at operation 1620.

The AP 310 identifies setup information set by a user related to aplayback by accessing to the memory 330 at operation 1630. According toan embodiment of the present disclosure, the setup information mayinclude a screen shot/voice mode, low resolution mode, high resolutionmode, or HD (High Definition) resolution.

The AP 310 determines a User demand Capability (UC) in bps based on thesetup information at operation 1640.

The AP 310 identifies whether the DC satisfies the UC at operation 1650.If the DC doesn't satisfy the UC (for example, UC≧DC), the AP 310identifies whether the determined UC is a minimum demand capability (forexample, UC3 corresponding to a screenshot or an audio mode). If thedetermined UC is the minimum demand capability according to theidentification result at operation 1655, the process can be ended.

If the determined UC is not the minimum demand capability according tothe identification result at operation 1655, the AP 310 adjusts the UCto lower stage/level by one stage/level and returns to operation 1650 atoperation 1660. For example, the UC determined in operation 1640 is UC0which corresponds to “HD resolution mode” and if UC0<DC, the UC isdetermined as UC1 (for example, corresponding to high resolution mode)which is one stage/level lower.

If the DC satisfies the UC after identifying whether the DC satisfiesthe UC at operation 1650, the AP 310 stores the downloaded packets in abuffer (for example, frame buffer) at operation 1670.

The AP 310 identifies whether a packet amount stored in the buffer isgreater than a threshold value (for example, 10% of storable amount inbuffer) at operation 1680. In case of “stored amount<threshold value”,the process returns to operation 1670.

In case of “stored amount<threshold value”, the AP 310 operates astreaming playback based on the determined UC (for example, UC1corresponding to the high resolution mode) at operation 1690. That is,the AP 310 operates a streaming playback based on the high resolutionmode. The AP 310 determines termination of the streaming playback atoperation 1695. If the streaming playback is not finished, the AP 310determines whether the determined UC is a maximum demand capability (forexample, UC0) at operation 1696. If the determined UC is not the maximumdemand capability, the process returns to operation 1620. If thedetermined UC is the maximum demand capability, the process returns tooperation 1695. If the streaming playback is finished, the process ends.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method formanaging a playback of contents in an electronic device may include:recognizing a major section of the contents; obtaining at least one ofsetup information related to a network speed, data remaining amount, andplayback, and playback time of the contents; and deciding a playbackpolicy of the contents based on at least one of the recognized majorsection and obtained information. The deciding a playback policy mayinclude at least one of: deciding the playback policy to a data savingmode at least based on the data remaining amount; deciding the playbackpolicy to a time saving mode at least based on the playback time;deciding the playback policy to a quality adjustment mode at least basedon the network speed; and deciding the playback policy from the datasaving mode, time saving mode, and quality adjustment mode based on thesetup information. The operation of deciding the playback policy to thedata saving mode may include, if the data remaining amount is less thana predetermined threshold value, deciding the playback policy from oneof: a skip mode for playing back by omitting a non-major section anddownloading the major section from the contents, a quality adjustmentmode for playing back by downloading a non-major section in a lowquality and downloading the major section in a high quality, a multiplespeed mode for playing back by downloading partial image frames from thecontents, and a voice mode for playing back by sequentially displayingpartial image frames of the contents and downloading voice data from thecontents. The operation of deciding the playback policy to the timesaving mode may include, if the playback time is less than apredetermined threshold value, deciding the playback policy from one of:a skip mode for playing back by omitting a non-major section anddownloading the major section from the contents, a priority mode forplaying back by preferentially downloading the major section from thecontents prior to the non-major section, and a multiple speed mode forplaying back by downloading partial image frames from the contents. Theoperation of deciding the playback policy to the quality adjustment modemay include, if the network speed is less than a predetermined thresholdvalue, deciding the playback policy to a quality adjustment for playingback by downloading a non-major section in a low quality and downloadingthe major section in a high quality from the contents. The operation ofrecognizing a major section may include: receiving information relatedto the contents from an external device, and recognizing the majorsection based on the received information. The received information mayinclude statistical information related to the contents. The operationof recognizing a major section may include recognizing the major sectionbased on the statistical information and user information stored in theelectronic device.

The term “module” used in various embodiments of the present disclosuremay mean a unit including at least one of hardware, software, andfirmware. For example, the “module” may be interchangeably used bysubstituting with a unit, logic, logical block, component, or circuit.The “module” may be a minimum unit configured in a body or a portion ofthe body. The “module” may be a minimum unit performing at least onefunction or a portion of the unit. The “module” can be implementedmechanically or electronically. For example, the “module” according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least oneof an Application-Specific IC (ASIC) chip, Field-Programmable GateArrays (FPGAs), and programmable-logic device which are already known orto be developed and performing specific operations.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at leastsome of the devices (for example, modules or functions thereof) or themethod (for example, operations) according to the present disclosure maybe implemented by a command stored in a computer-readable storage mediumin a programming module form. When the command is executed by one ormore processors, the one or more processors may perform a functioncorresponding to the command. The computer-readable storage medium maybe, for example, the memory. At least some of the programming modulesmay be implemented (for example, executed) by, for example, theprocessor. At least a part of the programming module may include, forexample, a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions and/or aprocess for performing one or more functions.

The computer readable recording medium may include magnetic media suchas a hard disc, a floppy disc, and a magnetic tape, optical media suchas a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM) and a DVD, magneto-optical media such asa floptical disk, and hardware devices specifically configured to storeand execute program commands, such as a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory.In addition, the program instructions may include high class languagecodes, which can be executed in a computer by using an interpreter, aswell as machine codes made by a compiler. The aforementioned hardwaredevice may be configured to operate as one or more software modules inorder to perform the operation of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, and vice versa.

Any of the modules or programming modules according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of theabove described elements, exclude some of the elements, or furtherinclude other additional elements. The operations performed by themodules, programming module, or other elements according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure may be executed in a sequential,parallel, repetitive, or heuristic manner. Further, some operations maybe executed according to another order or may be omitted, or otheroperations may be added.

A method and an apparatus according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure can preferentially play a major section of contents.Further, the method and apparatus according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure can efficiently play contents back in terms ofcost and time.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for managing a playback of contents inan electronic device, the method comprising: receiving a request for theplayback of the contents; receiving statistical information related to amajor section of the contents from an external device in response to therequest for the playback of the contents; recognizing the major sectionof the contents based on the received statistical information;identifying a data remaining amount responding to the request; playingthe major section of the contents by streaming a non-major section in alow resolution and streaming a major section in a high resolution, ifthe data remaining amount is less than a first threshold value andgreater than a second threshold value; and playing the major section ofthe contents by downloading and sequentially displaying partial imageframes from the contents, and by downloading voice data from thecontents, if the data remaining amount is less than the second thresholdvalue, wherein the major section comprises a specified section relatedto appearance of a major person, an object, or an event and is set by auser.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining aplayback policy to a quality adjustment for playing back by downloadinga non-major section in a low resolution and downloading the majorsection in a high resolution from the contents if the data remainingamount is less than the first threshold value and greater than thesecond threshold value.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining a playback policy to a quality adjustment for playing backby downloading and sequentially displaying partial image frames from thecontents, and downloading voice data from the contents if the dataremaining amount is less than the second threshold value.
 4. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: measuring a network speed responding tothe request; and playing the major section of the contents by streaminga non-major section in a low resolution and streaming a major section ina high resolution, if the measured network speed is less than apredetermined threshold value.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising determining a playback policy to a quality adjustment forplaying back by downloading a non-major section in a low resolution anddownloading the major section in a high resolution from the contents ifthe measured network speed is less than the predetermined thresholdvalue.